Transitions from injecting to non-injecting drug use: Potential protection against HCV infection

Don C. Des Jarlais, Courtney McKnight, Kamyar Arasteh, Jonathan Feelemyer, David C. Perlman, Holly Hagan, Hannah L.F. Cooper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Transitions from injecting to non-injecting drug use have been reported from many different areas, particularly in areas with large human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics. The extent to which such transitions actually protect against HIV and HCV has not been determined. A cross-sectional survey with HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) testing was conducted with 322 former injectors (persons who had injected illicit drugs but permanently transitioned to non-injecting use) and 801 current injectors recruited in New York City between 2007 and 2012. There were no differences in HIV prevalence, while HCV prevalence was significantly lower among former injectors compared to current injectors. Years injecting functioned as a mediating variable linking former injector status to lower HCV prevalence. Transitions have continued well beyond the reduction in the threat of AIDS to injectors in the city. New interventions to support transitions to non-injecting drug use should be developed and supported by both drug treatment and syringe exchange programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)325-331
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume46
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Keywords

  • Drug use
  • HCV
  • HIV
  • Injecting drug use
  • Non-injecting drug use
  • Substance abuse

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Phychiatric Mental Health
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transitions from injecting to non-injecting drug use: Potential protection against HCV infection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this